218 



DRAFT 



'Thus, this mixed fishery has significantly contributed to the decline of 

 wild coho salmon in Oregon. ' 



The authors conclude the discussion of Columbia River coho salmon harvest with this 

 statement applied to all coho populations in Oregon. An analysis of the effects of 

 mixed-stock fishery harvest on Columbia River hatchery populations is not an 

 applicable information base to make conclusions on the decline of all coho populations. 

 These hatchery stocks are managed for a much higher harvest rate than are coastal wild 

 populations. Ocean fisheries are managed with the intent of targeting on Columbia 

 River hatchery coho stocks while attempting to minimize the interception of wild 

 coastal stocks. In addition, Columbia River coho are intercepted in the ocean fisheries, 

 in the intensive Buoy 10 recreational fishery, and in an inriver gill-net fishery. Coastal 

 stocks are generally only exposed to the ocean fishery, with minor harvest during 

 inriver sport fisheries. A conclusion which fails to recognize that these coho salmon 

 stocks are managed with different objectives is false. 



Page 26, 1.1.9. Terminal Fisheries 



Similar to the previous section, the authors provide a discussion of terminal fisheries 

 that portrays these fisheries as being "...the opposite of mixed fisheries. ' Several 

 examples are offered as proof that terminal fishing is better than ocean fishing 

 including statements that ocean fisheries catch immature chinook, and that "...the 

 incidental morality (sic) rate of gill net fishing was four to eight percent compared with 

 the 30 to 40 percent of trolling. " The immature chinook discussion is attributed to 

 Nicholas and Hankin (1988), wrongly listed in the references section. The incidental 

 mortality rates are not substantiated by the authors (please refer to our previous 

 discussion and the review of Table 1.1-24 concerning errors in these estimates). 



In proposing that terminal fisheries be instituted as a better management tool for 

 anadromous salmonid harvest, the authors should include a discussion of existing 

 Oregon statutes (e.g. ORS 509.216) that prohibit certain terminal commercial fisheries 

 from most Oregon waters. 



Section 1.2 Fish Resource Agency Policies and Goals 

 Page 28, 1.2.2. Spawning Escapement 



Columbia River Stocks (pages 28-29) 



The reference for the status of the 754 populations was missing from the references 

 section and, therefore, could not be verified. The Department believes that the 

 information nu.y be false. 



A-12 



